Surgical Stapling Device Firing Indicator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices lack a clear indication to clinicians when they have been fired and are depleted of staples, posing a risk of serious injury if used unknowingly.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a handle assembly, indicator mechanism, and indicator link that moves through distinct positions to visually indicate when the device is in a fire-ready state and after firing, using a pivotally supported indicator with color-coded indicia visible through a window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no indicator is provided after firing, then the device structure remains simple, but the clinician cannot detect that the device is depleted, leading to potential patient injury
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is prepared in advance with the indicator positioned to show different states (ready to fire, fired, depleted). The indicator link and slide plate are pre-configured within the housing so that when the firing sequence occurs, the indicator automatically moves to the appropriate position without requiring additional complex mechanisms or post-firing interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator link serves as an intermediary component that translates the mechanical action of the firing trigger and cartridge ejection into visible indicator movement. The slide plate acts as another intermediary that converts the indicator link's movement into the final indicator position visible through the window, providing a clear visual signal to the clinician.
2Loss of information
If a visual indication system is added to show firing status, then clinician awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator uses color-coded visual changes to communicate the firing status to the clinician. Different colors or visual states of the indicator correspond to different operational states (ready to fire, fired, depleted), providing immediate and unambiguous information without requiring complex displays or electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the indicator itself, the indicator link, the slide plate, and the window. Each component has a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while providing clear visual feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device (10) having an indicator mechanism that is movable between first, second and third positions. The first position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) have yet to be approximated. The second position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the jaws of the surgical stapling device (10) are approximated. The third position of the indicator (26) indicates to a clinician that the surgical stapling device (10) has been fired and is depleted of staples.